Sony was suspiciously absent from Comic Con, but it’s got a lot in the works. From Morbius to Black Cat and Silver Sable. While they’re focused on launching new properties, they’re also keeping their eyes on Venom 2. News dropped today that Andy Serkis is potentially in the running to direct Venom 2. True or not, this is a very smart idea.
THR reported that Sony is meeting with filmmakers to handle the anti-hero and his cast of characters. With Tom Hardy ready to reprise his dual role as Eddie and Venom and Michelle Williams returning as his ex-fiancee Anne Weying, the pieces seem to be falling into place. Screenwriter Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks) will be returning to write the script. It needs a director and rumor has it Andy Serkis (Black Panther, Lord of the Rings) is in the running.
Serkis is best known for pioneering motion capture technology. From Lord of the Rings to Planet of the Apes, the actor has defined the technology. As CGI has progressed so has Serkis, moving to film with his directorial debut 2017’s Breathe. He also healmed the non-Disney adaptation Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.
Venom 2 is shaping up to be a film that requires a great deal of CGI and motion capture. Woody Harrelson appeared in the end credit scene as Cletus Kasady, also known as Carnage.
Carnage and Venom’s battles are some of the most beautifully rendered art in the Spider-Man universe. From well known artists like Mark Bagley to Ryan Stegman on Absolute Carnage and the most recent Venom run – Venom’s fluidity needs an eye for someone familiar with the difficulties of motion capture technology. Serkis’s skill with motion capture means that he’d have an eye for giving their fights the glorious motion and art they deserve.
As for pathos, Serkis’s directorial debut Breathe is a biopic of Robin Cavendish, a disability activist paralyzed by polio. The film has a 67% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Dealing with such a personal story would be the deft touch that Venom, the story of one man’s struggle with his personal demons needs. Venom 2 would cover the birth of Carnage, something that Eddie would have to deal with and could set back his recovery from losing Anne and dealing with the Life Foundation. Someone familiar with an interpersonal drama would make a solid director.
Nothing is confirmed as far as Venom 2′s director. Serkis is in the running however and there’s a good case that he should be given the opportunity.
Are you excited for Venom 2? Do you think Serkis is a good choice? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Venom 2 does not currently have a release date.
Source: THR